Controller for a quick disconnect slide assembly

ABSTRACT

A slide assembly including a first slide segment, a second slide segment, and a third slide segment. A bearing assembly is provided between the second slide segment and the third slide segment. A lock arm extends from the third slide segment and is engageable with an engagement surface of the second slide segment to limit movement of the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment. A controller is associated with the second slide segment and comprises a locking portion and an actuator portion. The locking portion extends through an opening in a side wall of the second slide segment towards the bearing retainer. The locking portion is selectively engageable with the bearing retainer to limit movement of the bearing assembly. The actuator extends through an opening in a side wall of the second slide segment between the first slide segment and the lock arm to actuate the lock arm and thereby disengage it from the engagement surface when the slide assembly is retracted.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/028,030, filed Dec. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,763 whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/257,909, filedDec. 22, 2000, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to slide assemblies and, moreparticularly, to quick disconnect-type slide assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

For convenience and to conserve floor space, computer servers forhigh-capacity computer systems are often mounted in rack structures.Typically, several computer servers are mounted in each rack structure.Each server is typically mounted on a pair of slide assemblies to allowthe server to slide in and out of the rack structure for convenientaccess to the server.

Each slide assembly comprises two or more slide segments. In slideassemblies comprising only two slide segments, a first or outer slidesegment is mounted to a frame of the rack structure, and a second orinner slide segment is mounted to the server. The outer slide segmentdefines a channel. The inner slide segment is movable in the channel toextend or retract the slide assembly. A bearing assembly is movablypositioned in the channel to facilitate sliding movement of the innerslide segment with respect to the outer slide segment.

In quick disconnect slide assemblies, the inner slide segment can beentirely removed from the channel and detached from the outer slidesegment. This allows convenient removal of the computer server from theserver rack structure for repair or replacement of the computer server.The inner slide segment remains attached to the computer server when theserver is removed from the rack.

To replace the computer server in the server rack, a rear end of theinner slide segment must be guided back into the channel of the outerslide segment. Because each server is typically supported by a pair ofslide assemblies, the ends of the inner slide segments of both slideassemblies must be guided into the channels of the outer slide segmentssubstantially in unison. This often proves difficult since the computerservers are typically heavy and awkward to handle.

If the inner slide segment is not properly aligned in the channel, theend of the inner slide segment can interfere with the bearing assembly.As the inner slide segment is moved rearwardly in the channel, thebearing assembly is moved with it. When the bearing assembly reaches theend of the channel, further rearward movement of the bearing assembly isprevented. This makes further rearward movement of the inner slidesegment difficult. The inner slide segment, along with the attachedcomputer server, may have to be moved forwardly and realigned in thechannel before the slide assembly can be fully retracted. In addition tobeing inconvenient, damage to the bearing assembly or other componentsof the slide assembly can result if the inner slide segment is forciblyretracted.

In most quick disconnect-type slide assemblies, a lock is provided toprevent the unintentional detachment of the inner slide segment from theouter slide segment when the slide assembly is extended. However, whileit is generally desirable for the lock to engage when the slide assemblyis fully extended, it is generally undesirable and inconvenient for thelock to engage as the inner slide segment and attached computer serverare first installed in the server rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The slide assembly of the present invention solves the problems of theprior art by incorporating a controller. The controller comprises anactuator and a latch. The slide assembly includes a lock to prevent theunintentional detachment of the inner slide segment from the outer slidesegment when the slide assembly is extended. The actuator allows thelock to engage when the slide assembly is extended, but does not allowthe lock to engage as the inner slide segment is inserted and retractedinto the channel when the computer server is first installed orreinstalled in the server rack.

The latch serves to retain the bearing assembly near the forward end ofthe channel as the end of the inner slide segment is inserted into thechannel. This makes it easier to guide the end of the inner slidesegment past the bearing assembly as the inner slide segment is insertedand retracted into the channel when the computer server is firstinstalled or reinstalled in the server rack.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a slide assemblyis provided comprising a first slide segment and a second slide segment.The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and aside wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall andthe upper and lower walls define a channel. The second slide segment ismovable in the channel to extend or retract the slide assembly.

A bearing assembly is provided in the channel to facilitate slidingmovement of the second slide segment with respect to the first slidesegment. The bearing assembly comprises a number of ball bearings and abearing retainer. The bearing retainer has an upper retainer portionlocated adjacent the upper wall, a lower retainer portion locatedadjacent the lower wall, and a side portion located adjacent the sidewall and extending between the upper and lower retainer portions. Theside portion has an opening provided therein.

The slide assembly includes a latch having a locking portion. The latchis movable between a first position wherein the locking portion extendsinto the opening to limit movement of the bearing assembly in thechannel, and a second position wherein the locking portion does notextend into the opening and the bearing assembly is allowed a greaterfreedom of movement in the channel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a slideassembly is provided comprising a first slide segment and a second slidesegment. The first slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall,and a side wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The sidewall and the upper and lower walls define a channel. The second slidesegment is movable in the channel to extend or retract the slideassembly. A bearing assembly is located in the channel to facilitatesliding movement of the second slide segment with respect to the firstslide segment.

The slide assembly includes a latch. The latch is movable between afirst position wherein the latch extends into the channel to limitmovement of the bearing assembly, and a second position wherein thebearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in thechannel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a slideassembly is provided comprising a first slide segment, a second slidesegment, and a third slide segment. The first slide segment comprises anupper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upperand lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define afirst channel. The second slide segment is movable in the first channelto extend or retract the slide assembly.

The second slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and aside wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wall hasan opening formed therein and includes an engagement surface. The sidewall and the upper and lower walls define a second channel. The thirdslide segment is movable in the second channel to extend or retract theslide assembly.

The third slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and aside wall extending between the upper and lower walls. A lock armextends from the side wall of the third slide segment towards the sidewall of the second slide segment. The lock arm is engageable with theengagement surface to limit movement of the third slide segment withrespect to the second slide segment.

An actuator extends through the opening in the side wall of the secondslide segment towards the lock arm. The side wall of the first slidesegment contacts the actuator when the slide assembly is retracted,causing the actuator to actuate the lock arm and thereby disengage theengagement surface from the lock arm.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a slideassembly is provided comprising a first slide segment, a second slidesegment, and a third slide segment. The first slide segment comprises anupper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upperand lower walls. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define afirst channel. The second slide segment is movable in the first channelto extend or retract the slide assembly.

The second slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and aside wall extending between the upper and lower walls. The side wallincludes an engagement surface and has one or more openings formedtherein. The side wall and the upper and lower walls define a secondchannel. The third slide segment is movable in the second channel toextend or retract the slide assembly.

The third slide segment comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and aside wall extending between the upper and lower walls. A bearingassembly is located in the second channel to facilitate sliding movementof the third slide segment with respect to the second slide segment. Thebearing assembly comprises a bearing retainer and a number of ballbearings. A lock arm extends from the side wall of the third slidesegment towards the side wall of the second slide segment. The lock armis engageable with the engagement surface to limit movement of the thirdslide segment with respect to the second slide segment.

The slide assembly includes a controller associated with the secondslide segment. The controller comprises a locking portion and anactuator. The locking portion extends through one of the openings in theside wall of the second slide segment towards the bearing retainer. Thelocking portion is selectively engageable with the bearing retainer tolimit movement of the bearing assembly in the second channel. Theactuator extends through one of the openings in the side wall of thesecond slide segment between the first slide segment and the lock arm.The actuator actuates the lock arm to disengage the engagement surfacefrom the lock arm when the slide assembly is retracted.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments and the attached figures, theinvention not being limited to any particular embodiment disclosedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slide assemblyhaving certain features and advantages in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, takenalong the line 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slidesegment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the latch illustrated in afirst position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the controller of the slide assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the forward end of the intermediateslide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment anda portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly ofFIG. 1, showing the attachment of the controller to the intermediateslide segment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segment anda portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly ofFIG. 1, showing the tab on the inner slide segment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner slide segmentand a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slideassembly of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the latch shown in asecond position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segmentand a portion of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assembly ofFIG. 1, with the inner slide segment detached from the intermediateslide segment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segmentand the forward ends of the intermediate slide segment and outer slidesegment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the lock arm of the innerslide segment engaging the engagement surface of the intermediate slidesegment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segmentand the forward ends of the intermediate slide segment and outer slidesegment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1, with the lock arm of the innerslide segment disengaged from the engagement surface of the intermediateslide segment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the outer slide segmentand the rear end of the intermediate slide segment of the slide assemblyof FIG. 1, with the pivot arm of the intermediate slide segment inabutting engagement with the stop surface of the stop member of theouter slide segment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the back side of the outerslide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the stopmember; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the outer slide segmentand the rear ends of the inner and intermediate slide segments of theslide assembly of FIG. 1, with the pivot arm disengaged from the stopsurface of the stop member.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the back side of the slideassembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the manual actuation of the actuator.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the slideassembly.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front side of the controller of theslide assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the back side of the controller of theslide assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a forward end of the intermediateslide segment of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the inner slide segmentand lock arm of the slide assembly of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A slide assembly having features in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by thereference numeral 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the slideassembly 12 includes an inner slide segment 16, an intermediate slidesegment 18, and an outer slide segment 20. The inner slide segment 16 isadapted for mounting to an outer case or housing of a computer server(not shown). The outer slide segment 20 is adapted for mounting to astationary server rack structure (not shown). Each computer serverdesirably is supported in the server rack structure by a pair of slideassemblies 12, one on either side of the computer server, to allow thecomputer server to slide in and out of the server rack structure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slide assembly 12 of FIG. 1,taken along the line 2—2 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, theouter slide segment 20 has a generally C-shaped cross-section andcomprises an upper wall 24, a lower wall 26, and a planar side wall 28extending between the upper and lower walls 24, 26. Each of the upperand lower walls 24, 26 defines an arcuate bearing surface 32. Thebearing surfaces 32 generally face inward towards a central longitudinalaxis of the slide assembly 12. A longitudinal channel 36 is defined bythe bearing surfaces 32 and a planar inner surface of the side wall 28.

The intermediate slide segment 18 also has a generally C-shapedcross-section and comprises an upper wall 40, a lower wall 42, and aside wall 44 extending between the upper and lower walls 40, 42. Each ofthe upper and lower walls 40, 42 of the intermediate slide segment 18defines an arcuate inner bearing surface 46 and an arcuate outer bearingsurface 48. The inner bearing surfaces 46 face towards, and the outerbearing surfaces 48 face away from, the central longitudinal axis of theslide assembly 12. A longitudinal channel 56 is defined by the innerbearing surfaces 46 and an inner surface of the side wall 44.

Like the outer slide segment 20 and the intermediate slide segment 18,the inner slide segment 16 also has a generally C-shaped cross-sectionand comprises an upper wall 60, a lower wall 62, and a side wall 64extending between the upper and lower walls 60, 62. Each of the upperand lower walls 60, 62 defines an arcuate bearing surface 68. Thebearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 face outward, or awayfrom the central longitudinal axis of the slide assembly 12.

The intermediate slide segment 18 is positioned in the channel 36 of theouter slide segment 20 so that the bearing surfaces 32 of the outerslide segment 20 are located adjacent the outer bearing surfaces 48 ofthe intermediate slide segment 18. A bearing assembly 74 is positionedbetween each bearing surface 32 of the outer slide segment 20 and theadjacent outer bearing surface 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18.In the illustrated embodiment, each bearing assembly 74 comprises athin, elongated, generally planar bearing spacer 76 and a number ofspherical ball bearings 78. The ball bearings 78 are retained by thebearing spacer 76 in spaced-apart openings formed along the length ofthe bearing spacer 76. The ball bearings 78 roll against the bearingsurfaces 32, 48 to facilitate longitudinal sliding movement of theintermediate slide segment 18 with respect to the outer slide segment20. As will be appreciated, the bearings 78 are retained in the openingsof the spacer 76 by the bearing surfaces 32, 48.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner slide segment 16 ispositioned in the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18 sothat the bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 are locatedadjacent the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment18. A bearing assembly 80 is positioned in the channel 56 between theinner slide segment 16 and the intermediate slide segment 18 tofacilitate longitudinal sliding movement of the inner slide segment 16with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18. In the illustratedembodiment, the bearing assembly 80 comprises a bearing retainer 84 anda number of spherical ball bearings 86.

The bearing surfaces 32 of the outer slide segment 20, the inner andouter bearing surfaces 46, 48 of the intermediate slide segment 18, andthe bearing surfaces 68 of the inner slide segment 16 desirably areconcave. This prevents lateral separation of the intermediate slidesegment 18 from the outer slide segment 20, and of the inner slidesegment 16 from the intermediate slide segment 18.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate slidesegment 18 with the bearing assembly 80 positioned in the channel 56. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the bearing retainer 84 comprises an upperretainer portion 92, a lower retainer portion 94, and a side portion 96interconnecting the upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94. An opening97 is provided in the side portion 96. A cross-member 98 extends betweenthe upper and lower retainer portions 92, 94. The bearing retainer 84 isseated in the channel 56 so that the upper and lower retainer portions92, 94 are located adjacent the inner bearing surfaces 46, and the sideportion 96 is located adjacent the inner surface of the side wall 44.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the upper and lowerretainer portions 92, 94 comprises a number of tabs 99. The tabs 99extend generally perpendicularly to the side portion 96 of the bearingretainer 84. Each tab 99 has a circular opening 100 provided therein toaccommodate one of the ball bearings 86. The diameter of the openings100 is preferably slightly less than the diameter of the ball bearings86 to trap the ball bearings 86 between the tabs 99 and the innerbearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

The bearing assembly 80 desirably is movable along the length of thechannel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18. This allows the ballbearings 86 to roll along the inner bearing surfaces 46 of theintermediate slide segment 18 as the inner slide segment 16 is moved inand out of the channel 56. A rear stop 106 (see FIG. 1) is provided in arear portion of the intermediate slide segment 18 to limit rearwardmovement of the bearing assembly 80. In the illustrated embodiment, therear stop 106 comprises a laterally raised portion of the inner surfaceof the side wall 44 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a controller 120 for the slide assembly 12is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 120 includesboth an actuator 124 and a latch 126. The actuator 124 comprises a thin,planar, cantilevered primary arm 128 having an end portion 132 ofincreased thickness. The thickness of the end portion 132 is greatestnear a front end of the controller 120. The end portion 132 desirablyhas rounded corners 134 and a groove 136 formed in the center thereof.

The latch 126 comprises a thin, planar, cantilevered secondary arm 138having a raised locking portion 140 at a front end thereof. The lockingportion 140 includes a generally planar sloping front face 142 and agenerally planar sloping rear face 144. Desirably, the front face 142extends a slightly greater distance above the planar surface of thesecondary arm 138 than does the rear face 144. In the illustratedembodiment, a recess 146 is formed between the front face 142 and therear face 144. The recess 146 is defined by a front locking surface 150and a rear locking surface 152. Alternatively, the function of the frontlocking surface 150, which will be described below, can be performed bya pair of raised hard stops 154 (see FIG. 3) provided at the forward endof the channel 56.

The controller 120 desirably is formed of a stiff yet flexible materialto allow the primary and secondary arms 128, 138 to flex or bend, andresiliently return to position. Preferably, the controller 120 is formedof a resilient, durable, low-friction plastic material, such as acetal.

The forward end of the intermediate slide segment 18 is shown in FIG. 5.As illustrated, a pair of openings 156 are provided in the side wall 44of the intermediate slide segment 18 near the forward end thereof. Thecontroller 120 is positioned behind the side wall 44 so that the endportion 132 of the actuator 124 and the locking portion 140 of the latch126 are in registration with the openings 156. The controller 120 isattached to an outer surface of the side wall 44 by suitable means, suchas a pair of rivets 158 (see FIG. 6) that extend through openings formedin a side of the controller 120 opposite the end portion 132.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the latch 126 is illustrated in a firstposition, wherein the planar surface of the secondary arm 124 restsagainst the outer surface of the side wall 44 of the intermediate slidesegment 18. The locking portion 140 of the latch 126 extends through oneof the openings 156 in the side wall 44 and into the channel 56 of theintermediate slide segment 18.

To ensure proper operation of the latch 126, the front face 142desirably forms an angle α with the plane of the side wall 44 of between10 and 80 degrees when the latch 126 is in the first positionillustrated in FIG. 3. More desirably, the angle α is between 30 and 45degrees. Preferably, the angle α is 38 degrees. The rear face 144likewise desirably forms an angle γ with the plane of the side wall 44of between 10 and 80 degrees when the latch 126 is in the first positionillustrated in FIG. 3. More desirably, the angle is γ is between 15 and30 degrees. Preferably, the angle γ is 25 degrees. The front and rearlocking surfaces 150, 152 preferably are disposed generallyperpendicularly to the side wall 44 when the latch is in the firstposition.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the slide assembly 12 of theillustrated embodiment is of the quick disconnect variety. Thus, theinner slide segment 16 can be entirely removed from the channel 56 ofthe intermediate slide segment 18 to allow convenient removal of thecomputer server from the server rack for repair or replacement of thecomputer server. To replace the computer server in the server rack, therear end of the inner slide segment 16 must be guided back into thechannel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

The distance between the inner bearing surfaces 46 of the intermediateslide segment 18 is necessarily greater than the height of the of theinner slide segment 16 in order to accommodate the ball bearings 86. Asa result, the inner slide segment 16 can become misaligned in thechannel 56. When the inner slide segment 16 is misaligned, the end ofthe inner slide segment 16 can interfere with the bearing assembly 80.

Because the ball bearings 86 roll along the bearing surfaces 68 of theinner slide segment 16 and the inner bearing surfaces 46 of theintermediate slide segment 18, the bearing assembly 80 follows the innerslide segment 16 as the inner slide segment 16 is moved rearwardly inthe channel 56. When the bearing assembly 80 abuts the rear stop 106,further rearward movement of the bearing assembly 80 is prevented. As aresult, the ball bearings 86 are prevented from rolling along the innerbearing surfaces 46 of the intermediate slide segment 18. This makesfurther rearward movement of the inner slide segment 16 difficult. Inaddition to being inconvenient, damage to the bearing assembly 80 orother components of the slide assembly 12 can result if the inner slidesegment 16 is forcibly retracted.

The latch 126 serves to retain the bearing assembly 80 near the forwardend of the channel 56. When the latch 126 is in the first positionillustrated in FIG. 3, the locking portion 140 extends into the channel56 beyond the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84. Thecross-member 98 is captured between the front locking surface 150 andthe rear locking surface 152. Rearward movement of the bearing assembly80 is limited by the rear locking surface 152. Forward movement of thebearing assembly 80 is limited by the front locking surface 150 and/orthe hard stops 154. With the bearing assembly 80 retained near the frontof the channel 56, it is easier to guide the forward end of the innerslide segment 16 past the forward end of the bearing assembly 80 as theinner slide segment is inserted into the channel 56.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a tab 164 is provided on the side wall 64 ofthe inner slide segment 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 164comprises an indentation on the side wall 64 that extends into thechannel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18. When the inner slidesegment 16 is inserted and moved rearwardly in the channel 56, the tab164 contacts the front face 142 of the latch 126, as illustrated in FIG.8. This causes the secondary arm 138 to flex away from the side wall 44of the intermediate slide segment 18. In this second latch position,illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking portion 140 does not extendinto the opening 97 in the side portion 96 of the bearing retainer 84.The bearing assembly 80 is therefore free to move in the channel 56 withthe inner slide segment 16.

As the inner slide segment 16 is moved forwardly in the channel 56, thebearing assembly 80 is moved towards the latch 126. When the inner slidesegment 16 is removed from the channel 56, the cross-member 98 of thebearing retainer 84 contacts the rear face 144 of the latch 126, causingthe latch 126 to move to the second latch position, wherein thesecondary arm 138 is flexed away from the side wall 44 of theintermediate slide segment 18. The cross-member 98 rides over the rearface 144 of the latch 126 and into the recess 146 to lock the bearingassembly 80 in place again.

One advantage of the slide assembly 12 of the present embodiment is thatit does not require a separate manual operation to lock or unlock thebearing assembly 80. As the inner slide segment 16 is inserted in thechannel, the tab 164 contacts the locking portion 140 of the latch 126to automatically free the bearing assembly 80. When the inner slidesegment 16 is removed from the channel 56, the bearing assembly 80 isdrawn forwardly towards the latch 126. The cross-member 98 of thebearing retainer 84 contacts the locking portion 140 of the latch 126and the bearing assembly 80 is automatically locked in place.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a lock arm 170 is provided on an innersurface of the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16. In theillustrated embodiment, the lock arm 170 comprises a thin, planar steelstrip that is attached at a first end 172 to the inner surface of theside wall 64. The first end 172 of the lock arm 170 preferably isattached to the side wall 64 by a pair of tabs (not shown) that extendfrom the side wall 64 through a pair of openings 173 in the lock arm172. The lock arm 170 is bent slightly away from the side wall 64 andextends forwardly and outwardly from the side wall 64 from the first end172. A second end 174 of the lock arm 170 is bent inwardly towards theside wall 64. An opening 176 is provided in the lock arm near the secondend 174.

The lock arm 170 desirably can be flexed inwardly towards the side wall64 of the inner slide segment 16, and then resiliently returns to itsoriginal position. An opening 178 is provided in the side wall 64 of theinner slide segment 16 adjacent the second end 174 of the lock arm 170.When the lock arm 170 is fully flexed towards the side wall 64, thesecond end 174 of the lock arm 170 extends into the opening 178.

Referring still to FIG. 10, the intermediate slide segment 18 includesan engagement surface 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagementsurface 188 comprises a bridge-like structure located immediatelyforward of the end portion 132 of the actuator 124. The engagementsurface 188 desirably is slightly raised relative to the side wall 44 ofthe intermediate slide segment 18.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the shape of the opening 176 inthe lock arm 170 generally corresponds to the shape of the engagementsurface 188. The lock arm 170 is biased towards the side wall 44 of theintermediate slide segment 18 so that, when the inner slide segment 16is fully extended with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, asillustrated in FIG. 11, the engagement surface 188 is caught in theopening 176 of the lock arm 170. As a result, further movement of theinner slide segment 16 with respect to the intermediate slide segment 18is prevented.

To remove the inner slide segment 16 from the channel 56 of theintermediate slide segment 18, the second end 174 of the lock arm 170must be moved towards the side wall 64 of the inner slide segment 16,preferably by manually pressing the actuator 124 towards the lock arm170. This prevents the inner slide segment 16, and the attached computerserver, from unintentionally being detached from the rest of the slideassembly 12 and possibly causing damage to the server. By moving thesecond end 174 of the lock arm 170 towards the side wall 64, the lockarm 170 is released from the engagement surface 188, and the inner slidesegment 16 can then be removed from the channel 56.

The actuator 124 serves to automatically release the lock arm 170 fromthe engagement surface 188 when the slide assembly 12 is retracted. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, when the intermediate slide segment 18 isextended slightly with respect to the outer slide segment 20, the lockarm 170 is allowed to engage the engagement surface 188. However, whenthe intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted into the channel 36 ofthe outer slide segment 20, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the side wall 28of the outer slide segment 20 contacts the end portion 132 of theactuator 124. The end portion 132 of the actuator 124, in turn, extendsthrough the opening 156 in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slidesegment 18 to press the lock arm 170 towards the side wall 64 of theinner slide segment 16. This releases the lock arm 170 from theengagement surface 188 and allows the inner slide segment 16 to beretracted into the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18.

Because the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 is wider than theopening 176 in the lock arm 170, the end portion 132 is not caught inthe opening 176 as the inner slide segment 16 is retracted. The groove136 formed in the center of the end portion 132 allows for the passageof any fasteners 206 (see FIG. 10) that may extend through the side wall64 of the inner slide segment to attach to the computer server to theinner slide segment 16. This prevents the fasteners 196 from interferingwith the end portion 132 of the actuator as the inner slide segment 16is moved relative in and out of the channel 56.

With reference to FIG. 13, the slide assembly 12 desirably also includesa lock 189 for locking the intermediate slide segment 18 in an extendedposition with respect to the outer slide segment 20. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock 189 comprises a pivot arm 190 that is pivotallyattached by a rivet 191 or other suitable means to the side wall 44 ofthe intermediate slide segment 18. The pivot arm 190 comprises agenerally planar main portion 192 and a pair of fingers 193 that extendtowards the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 through anopening 194 provided in the side wall 44 of the intermediate slidesegment 18.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a stop member 195 desirably protrudesfrom the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 towards theintermediate slide segment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopmember 195 is generally arrow-shaped, having a tip 196, a pair ofdiverging sides 197, and a pair of stop surfaces 198 that extendgenerally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the slide assembly12.

When the intermediate slide segment 18 is retracted with respect to theouter slide segment 20, and the inner slide segment 16 is extended orremoved from the channel 56 of the intermediate slide segment 18, thepivot arm 190 is caused by gravity to reside near a bottom surface ofthe side wall 44. As the intermediate slide segment 18 is extended withrespect to the outer slide segment 20, the pivot arm 190 meets the stopmember 195 protruding from the side wall 28 of the outer slide segment20. The upper finger 193 of the pivot arm 190 rides over the upwardlysloping side 197 of the stop member 195, then drops into abuttingengagement with the upper stop surface 198. This prevents retraction ofthe intermediate slide segment 18 with respect to the outer slidesegment 20.

To release the pivot arm 190, the inner slide segment 16 is retractedwith respect to the intermediate slide segment 18, as illustrated inFIG. 15. As the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the rear end of theinner slide segment 16 slides over the pivot arm 190 and lifts the pivotarm 190 so that the upper finger 193 is raised above the upper stopsurface 198. This releases the pivot arm 190 and allows the intermediateslide segment 18 to be retracted with respect to the outer slide segment20.

As discussed above, in quick disconnect slide assemblies, the innerslide segment is removable from the rest of the slide assembly to allowthe attached computer server to be repaired or replaced. When the innerslide segment is first installed or reinstalled in the server rack, itis inconvenient to have to actuate a lock in order to retract the innerslide segment. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, to install thecomputer server in the server rack, the intermediate slide segment 18 isfirst fully retracted into the outer slide segment 20. The inner slidesegment 16 is then inserted into the channel 56 of the intermediateslide segment 18 and retracted. Because the intermediate slide segment18 is retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20, the sidewall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 pushes the end portion 132 of theactuator 124 through the opening 156 in side wall 44 of the intermediateslide segment 18. As the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the endportion 132 of the actuator 124 contacts the lock arm 170 to prevent thelock arm from engaging the engagement surface 188 of the intermediateslide segment 18. Thus, the inner slide segment 16 and attached computerserver can be installed and fully retracted in a single motion, withouthaving to manually actuate the lock arm 170 of the inner slide segment16.

Once installed, the slide assembly 12 can be extended to access thecomputer server. When the slide assembly 12 is filly extended, the innerslide segment 16 is locked with respect to the intermediate slidesegment 18, and the intermediate slide segment 18 is locked with respectto the outer slide segment 20. To retract the slide assembly 12 again,the end portion 132 of the actuator 124 is manually pressed, asillustrated in FIG. 16, to release the lock arm 170 from the engagementsurface 188 and thereby allow the inner slide segment 16 to be retractedinto the intermediate slide segment 18. Because the lock arm 170 can bereleased by pressing the actuator 124 instead of the lock arm 170itself, there is little risk that the fingers of the operator will getpinched between the lock arm 170 and the intermediate slide segment 18as the lock arm 170 is disengaged and the inner slide segment 16 isretracted. When the inner slide segment 16 is retracted, the forward endof the inner slide segment 16 actuates the lock 189 of the intermediateslide segment 18 to allow the intermediate slide segment 18 to beretracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 17-21, an alternative embodiment of theslide assembly is illustrated. The controller 120 a of the alternativeembodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. As can be seen from FIGS.18 and 19, the controller 120 a is similar to the controller 120 of theprevious embodiment, but includes a pair of catches 220 a that extendfrom the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a. Each of the catches220 a preferably has a generally planar sloping front surface 226 a anda generally planar catch surface 228 a. Like the controller 120 of theprevious embodiment, the controller 120 a is attached to the side wall44 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a so that the end portion 132a of the actuator 124 a and the locking portion 140 a of the latch 126 aextend through the openings 156 a in the side wall 44 a, as illustratedin FIG. 20.

With reference now to FIG. 21, the inner slide segment 16 a of the slideassembly 12 a is shown. As in the previous embodiment, the inner slidesegment 16 a includes a lock arm 170 a. The lock arm 170 a is attachedat a first end 172 a to the inner surface of the side wall 64 a of theinner slide segment 16 a. An opening 176 a is provided in the lock arm170 a near the second end 174 a thereof. A pair of notches 234 adesirably are provided in the upper and lower sides of the lock arm 170a just rearwardly of the opening 176 a.

The latch 126 a of the controller 120 a operates in the same manner asin the previous embodiment to retain the bearing assembly 80 a near theforward end of the channel 56 a. The actuator 124 a of the controller120 a likewise operates in a manner similar to that of the previousembodiment. Thus, in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 17-21, toinstall the computer server in the server rack, the intermediate slidesegment 18 a is first fully retracted into the outer slide segment 20 a.The side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20 a pushes the endportion 132 a of the actuator 124 a through the opening 156 a in sidewall 44 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a. The inner slidesegment 16 a is then inserted into the channel 56 a of the intermediateslide segment 18 a and retracted. As the inner slide segment 16 a isretracted, the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a contacts the lockarm 170 a to prevent the lock arm 170 a from engaging the engagementsurface 188 a of the intermediate slide segment 18 a.

In the slide assembly 12 of the previous embodiment, the lock arm 170does not engage the engagement surface 188 when the intermediate slidesegment 18 is retracted in the outer slide segment 20 because the sidewall 28 of the outer slide segment 20 pushes the end portion 132 of theactuator 124 through the opening 156 in the side wall 44 of theintermediate slide segment 18. As a result, there is a possibility that,when the slide assembly 12 is extended, the inner slide segment 16 canbe entirely removed from the intermediate slide segment 18 before theintermediate slide segment 18 is extended with respect to the outerslide segment 20. If the inner slide segment 16 is extended before theintermediate slide segment 18, the lock arm 170 will not engage theengagement surface 188. The inner slide segment 16 and attached computerserver may, therefore, be unintentionally detached from the rest of theslide assembly 12. If the person operating the slide assembly 12 isunprepared for this, the server might be dropped or otherwise damaged.

In the slide assembly 12 a of FIGS. 17-21, when the intermediate slidesegment 18 a is retracted with respect to the outer slide segment 20 a,the side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20 a contacts the endportion 132 a of the actuator 124 a. As in the previous embodiment, theend portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a extends through the opening 156a in the intermediate slide segment 18 a and contacts the lock arm 170 aso that the lock arm is unable to engage the engagement surface 188 a ofthe intermediate slide segment 18 a. In the slide assembly 12 a of FIGS.17-21, however, as the inner slide segment 16 a is extended, the catchsurfaces 228 a of the catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of theactuator 124 a engage the notches 234 a at the sides of the lock arm 170a to draw the intermediate slide segment 18 a out of the outer slidesegment 20 a as the inner slide segment 16 a is extended. When theintermediate slide segment 18 a is extended from the outer slide segment20 a sufficiently that the side wall 28 a of the outer slide segment 20a no longer contacts the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 a, theactuator 124 a resiliently returns to position and the catches 220 a aredisengaged from the notches 234 a of the lock arm 170 a. The inner slidesegment 16 a can then be extended further with respect to theintermediate slide segment 18 a until the opening 176 a in the lock arm170 a engages the engagement surface 188 a of the intermediate slidesegment 18 a to lock the inner slide segment 16 a with respect to theintermediate slide segment 18 a.

Since the catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 acooperate with the notches 234 a in the lock arm 170 a to draw theintermediate slide segment 18 a out of the outer slide segment 20 a,there is no danger that the inner slide segment 16 a will be entirelyremoved from the intermediate slide segment 18 a before the intermediateslide segment 18 a is extended with respect to the outer slide segment20 a. The catches 220 a at the end portion 132 a of the actuator 124 acooperate with the notches 234 a in the lock arm 170 a to prevent theunintentional detachment of the inner slide segment 16 a and attachedcomputer server from the rest of the slide assembly 12 a.

To retract the slide assembly 12 a again, the end portion 132 a of theactuator 124 a is manually pressed to release the lock arm 170 a fromthe engagement surface 188 a and thereby allow the inner slide segment16 a to be retracted into the intermediate slide segment 18 a. As in theprevious embodiment, because the lock arm 170 a of the inner slidesegment 16 a can be released by pressing the actuator 124 a instead ofthe lock arm 170 a itself, there is no risk that the fingers of theoperator will get pinched between the lock arm 170 a and theintermediate slide segment 18 a as the lock arm 170 a is disengaged andthe inner slide segment 16 a is retracted. When the inner slide segment16 a is retracted, the forward end of the inner slide segment 16 aactuates the lock (not shown) of the intermediate slide segment 18 a toallow the intermediate slide segment 18 a to be retracted with respectto the outer slide segment 20 a.

Although the controllers 120, 120 a of the illustrated embodimentsadvantageously combine the functions of both the actuator and the latch,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the actuator andthe latch can each be used be used separately in a slide assembly. Inaddition, although each of the illustrated slide assembly embodimentsincludes an inner slide segment 16, 16 a, an intermediate slide segment18, 18 a, and an outer slide segment 20,20 a, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the latch function can be incorporated in slideassemblies having two or more slide segments. Thus, the latch functioncan be incorporated in slide assemblies having more than oneintermediate slide segment, or no intermediate slide segment.

Accordingly, although the invention has been disclosed in the context ofcertain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slide assembly, comprising: a first slidesegment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wallextending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and saidupper and lower walls defining a channel; a second slide segment movablein said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly; a bearingassembly facilitating sliding movement of said second slide segment withrespect to said first slide segment, said bearing assembly comprising anumber of ball bearings and a bearing retainer, said bearing retainerhaving an upper retainer portion located adjacent said upper wall, alower retainer portion located adjacent said lower wall, and a sideportion located adjacent said side wall and extending between said upperand lower retainer portions, said side portion having an openingprovided therein; and a latch comprising a locking portion, said latchmovable between a first position wherein said locking portion extendsinto said opening to limit movement of said bearing assembly in saidchannel, and a second position wherein said locking portion does notextend into said opening and said bearing assembly is allowed a greaterfreedom of movement in said channel, wherein said locking portionextends into said channel through an opening formed in said side wall ofsaid first slide segment when said latch is in said first position. 2.The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein said second slide segmentcomprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall, said side wallhaving a tab extending therefrom, said tab contacting said lockingportion as said slide assembly is retracted, thereby causing said latchto move from said first position to said second position.
 3. The slideassembly of claim 1, further comprising a third slide segment, saidthird slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a sidewall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall andsaid upper and lower walls defining a second channel, said first slidesegment movable in said second channel to extend or retract said slideassembly.
 4. The slide assembly of claim 1, wherein a forward end, ofsaid bearing assembly is positioned proximate a forward end of saidfirst slide segment when said latch is in said first position.
 5. Theslide assembly of claim 4, wherein said forward end of said bearingassembly is within said channel of said first slide segment when saidlatch is in said first position.
 6. A slide assembly, comprising: afirst slide segment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a sidewall extending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall andsaid upper and lower walls defining a channel; a second slide segmentmovable in said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly; abearing assembly located in said channel and facilitating slidingmovement of said second slide segment with respect to said first slidesegment; a latch comprising a locking portion, said latch movablebetween a first position wherein said locking portion extends into saidchannel to limit movement of said bearing assembly, and a secondposition wherein said bearing assembly is allowed a greater freedom ofmovement in said channel, wherein said locking portion comprises agenerally planar sloping front face, a generally planar sloping rearface, and a recess formed between said front face and said rear face,and wherein, in said first position of said latch, said front faceextends a greater distance into said channel than does said rear face;and a tab extending into said channel from said second slide segment,said tab contacting said front face as said slide assembly is retracted,causing said latch to move from said first position to said secondposition.
 7. The slide assembly of claim 6, wherein said front faceforms an angle α with said side wall of between 10 and 80 degrees whensaid latch is in said first position.
 8. The slide assembly of claim 6,wherein said front face forms an angle α with said side wall of between30 and 45 degrees.
 9. A slide assembly, comprising: a first slidesegment comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wallextending between said upper and lower walls, said side wall and saidupper and lower walls defining a channel; a second slide segment movablein said channel to extend or retract said slide assembly; a bearingassembly located in said channel and facilitating sliding movement ofsaid second slide segment with respect to said first slide segment; anda latch comprising a locking portion, said latch movable between a firstposition wherein said locking portion extends into said channel to limitmovement of bearing assembly, and a second position wherein said bearingassembly is allowed a greater freedom of movement in said channel;wherein said locking portion comprises a generally planar sloping frontface, a generally planar sloping rear face, and a recess formed betweensaid front face and said rear face; end wherein said latch pivots aboutan axis and wherein both of said front face and said rear face arepositioned on a forward side of said axis.
 10. A slide assembly,comprising: a first slide segment having a forward end, a rearward endand defining a channel; a second slide segment movable within saidchannel from a retracted position to an extended position relative tosaid first slide segment, said second slide segment being removable fromsaid forward end of said first slide segment; a bearing assemblyconfigured to facilitate sliding movement of said second slide segmentrelative to said first slide segment, said bearing assembly comprising aplurality of ball bearings and a bearing retainer, said bearing assemblybeing movable within said channel toward said forward end of said firstslide segment along with movement of said second slide segment towardsaid extended position, said bearing retainer including a portiondefining an engagement surface; a resilient latch connected to saidfirst slide segment, said resilient latch including a rear face and arecess, said recess being sized and shaped to receive said portion ofsaid bearing assembly when said bearing assembly is in a forwardposition, said resilient latch defining a locking surface facing saidrecess and configured to contact said engagement surface when saidportion is within said recess; wherein, when said second slide segmentis removed from said first slide segment, said bearing retainer contactsand passes over said rear face thereby biasing said resilient latch froma first position toward a second position until said portion of saidbearing retainer moves into alignment with said recess, whereupon saidresilient latch moves toward said first position such that said portionis within said recess and said locking surface contacts said engagementsurface to inhibit rearward movement of said bearing assembly andwherein said locking surface and said engagement surface are configuredsuch that said resilient latch does not move to said second position inresponse to a rearward force exerted on said bearing retainer.
 11. Theslide assembly of claim 10, wherein said resilient latch additionallycomprises a front face and said second slide segment comprises a tab,said tab configured to contact said front face and bias said resilientlatch into said second position when said second slide segment isinserted into said channel and moved toward said rearward end of saidfirst slide segment, thereby releasing said bearing retainer from saidresilient latch and permitting rearward movement of said bearingassembly.
 12. The slide assembly of claim 11, wherein said recess ispositioned on a forward side of said rear face.
 13. The slide assemblyof claim 12, wherein said recess is positioned between said rear faceand said front face.
 14. The slide assembly of claim 11, wherein saidrear face is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of said slideassembly.
 15. The slide assembly of claim 14, wherein said front face isinclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of said slide assembly. 16.The slide assembly of claim 10, additionally comprising a third slidesegment defining a channel, said first slide segment being movablewithin said channel of said third slide segment.
 17. A slide assembly,comprising: a first slide segment having a forward end, a rearward endand defining a channel; a second slide segment movable within saidchannel from a retracted position to an extended position relative tosaid first slide segment, said second slide segment being removable fromsaid forward end of said first slide segment. a bearing assemblyconfigured to facilitate sliding movement of said second slide segmentrelative to said first slide segment, said bearing assembly comprising aplurality of ball bearings and a bearing retainer, said bearing assemblybeing movable within said channel toward said forward end of said firstslide segment along with movement of said second slide segment towardsaid extended position, said bearing retainer defining a firstengagement surface; a resilient latch connected to said first slidesegment, said resilient latch defining a second engagement surface;wherein, when said second slide segment is removed from said first slidesegment, said bearing retainer biases said resilient latch from a firstposition toward a second position until said bearing retainer permitssaid latch to move back toward said first position whereupon said firstengagement surface contacts said second engagement surface to inhibitrearward movement of said bearing assembly and wherein said firstengagement surface and said second engagement surface are configuredsuch that said resilient latch does not move to said second position inresponse to a rearward force exerted on said bearing retainer.
 18. Theslide assembly of claim 17, wherein said resilient latch includes afirst surface, wherein said bearing retainer contacts said first surfacewhen said second slide segment is removed from said first slide segmentto bias said resilient latch toward said second position.
 19. The slideassembly of claim 18, wherein said resilient latch additionally includesa second surface and said second slide segment comprises a tab, said tabconfigured to contact said second surface and bias said resilient latchtoward said second position when said second slide segment is insertedinto said channel and moved toward said rearward end of said first slidesegment, thereby releasing said bearing retainer from said resilientlatch and permitting rearward movement of said bearing assembly.
 20. Theslide assembly of claim 19, wherein said first surface is inclined withrespect to a longitudinal axis of said slide assembly.
 21. The slideassembly of claim 20, wherein said second surface is inclined withrespect to a longitudinal axis of said slide assembly.
 22. The slideassembly of claim 17, additionally comprising a third slide segmentdefining a channel, said first slide segment being movable within saidchannel of said third slide segment.
 23. A slide assembly, comprising: afirst slide segment having a forward end, a rearward end and defining achannel; a second slide segment movable within said channel from aretracted position to an extended position relative to said first slidesegment, said second slide segment being removable from said forward endof said first slide segment; a bearing assembly configured to facilitatesliding movement of said second slide segment relative to said firstslide segment, said bearing assembly comprising a plurality of ballbearings and a bearing retainer, said bearing assembly being movablewithin said channel toward said forward end of said first slide segmentalong with movement of said second slide segment toward said extendedpositions said bearing retainer defining a first engagement surface; alatch defining a second engagement surface; wherein, when said secondslide segment is removed from said first slide segment, said latch ismoved from a first position towards a second position and then movesback towards said first position whereupon said first engagement surfacecontacts said second engagement surface to inhibit rearward movement ofsaid bearing assembly; wherein said latch includes a first surface,wherein force on said first surface when said second slide segment isremoved from said first slide segment to moves said latch toward saidsecond position; and wherein said latch additionally includes a secondsurface and said slide assembly further comprising a tab, said tabconfigured to contact said second surface and move said latch towardsaid second position when said second slide segment is inserted intosaid channel and moved towards said rearward end of said first slidesegment, thereby releasing said bearing retainer from said latch andpermitting rearward movement of said bearing assembly.